I find the whole subject very interesting, as my first 'real' job was with the postal service. It's ironic to note, when I was working for them, we still had mail cars on trains, where mail was worked in transit. We also received mail by truck, and being in Missouri, I remember one mail truck did come in from Ft. Smith, Arkansas.........the route hadn't changed. Just the mode of transport. The only thing I find surprising, Gandle is how well paid the riders were, especially if they were young men, and boys. $25 a week was the salary of a government worker for a Federal office. A male teacher made about the same for a month's work.......with females earning an average of $12.00 a month. The more things change, the more they stay the same. LOL.

Hi everyone, Here is an updated list. There are a few people that have emailed since I last updated it.. I know I am missing a few... sorry... they got lost in my 11,000 emails.... Things needed Piggy bank donations to cover website costs - and buy another table Hot Dog Weenies Charcoal - Tammy Foil Plates Cutlery Napkins Paper Towels Chili Bread Hot Dog Buns Hamburger Buns Serving Utensils Pickles Relish BBQ Sauce Ketchup Mustard Shredded Cheese Pickles Chips Dips Sodas Ice Water side dishes desserts salt and pepper nametags -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SO FAR WE HAVE Jennifer and David lighter, grilling utensils, knife, pot for chili, grate for grill, can opener, Nadine - serving spoons, leftover cutlery from last year David - cookies... Hey David.. bring some for everyone else.. Tally keep your hands off:)) HEHE Cindy - Hot Dog Weenies 4 packs Brisket - Tally Erin H - Vegetarian dish Alan and Mary - Sodas Christy Barron - side dish Pego - iced tea and local honey Donna - paper plates, paper towels, plasticware Beverly - hot dogs and chopped onions Ken and Noreen - side dish Noreen /Ginger lady - side dish DOOR PRIZES: Erin H. Alan and Mary Christy Barron Donna Noreen - Ginger Lady RSVP: Erin H +1 Jennifer, David, girls Tally and Jim, Dave Nadine Alan and Mary Dollie Tami and Noreen Tolman Christy Barron Pego Donna Vicki Amelia Carol V Besty and Ron Noreen gingerlady Christina Sizemore Jenny Marcott -- Jennifer Wolford Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game!

Ann, I think I lost my head about participating in this! What was I thinking? I don't want any more stuff, as great as it might be, and have asked friends and family to not buy me anything for gifts, so why would I do this? I guess because it sounds so fun, kinda like Santa finding you through cyberspace. If it's not too late, please take me off the list and I'll enjoy vicariously (as I have in reading about previous swaps) everyone else's bounty. If it's too late and you've paired me, or need an even # of people, I'll still do it (with enthusiasm). Thank you!

Oh and I love my new item that comes from the same line I sent..I stopped by the kitchen store yesterday with hubby to "handfeel" the knives I'm looking at..They have a "gift" set coming that is exactly the pieces I'd use every day! I'm hoping hubby gets it for under the tree. :o) Although he was eyeing this gorgeous SS 4 slice toaster from Cuisinart. I wasn't sold on it because it was very long..the slot was 2 slices per opening, instead of 4 side by side like I have now. I don't know if it would fit in the cupboard the current one lives in..LOL And I'll be buying more of that swap item line...I forgot to ask Eileen to order me one of what I sent..Gosh darn it..the boys will love them on Friday Nights...sooo..."shucks"..I have to pop back in the shop this week...LOL